Author: Michelle
At the start of February 2021, Michelle Miller, aka Boss Mama DJ RunDat, launched her newest project, In The Mix: A DJ Series. The project launch featured ten different DJs, experts, and creatives within the Music Industry. All guests described their journey through their career, discussed different business experiences, and shared tips for navigating the industry. RunDat’s ultimate goal was to connect with her DJ community and help to implement a virtual experience for her audience during the pandemic. She hustled and was successfully able to release both video and audio interviews once a day for ten days straight! She also managed to bring her community together through creating her new Facebook group, DJ’s Virtual Meet Up. Stay tuned for her second round of In The Mix: A DJ Series, which is coming in the near future!
Click HERE to join the DJ’s Virtual Meet Up Facebook Group and get special access to all guest interviews from In The Mix: A DJ Series!
Based out of Hamilton Ontario, Rachael Henderson, also known as DJ Donna Lovejoy, has twenty years of experience of DJing under her belt. She was inspired by the DJs at the underground raves of her youth, and found a passion for DJing after one of her brothers got into it. She decided to make a career out of it, and has been DJing ever since. DJ Donna Lovejoy will play just about any gig, from clubs, to weddings, to vintage markets! DJ RunDat and DJ Donna Lovejoy discuss the important connection between DJing and wellness- physically, mentally, and emotionally. DJ Donna Lovejoy is also a Certified Nutritional Practitioner, and has combined her passion for music and natural health to launch Rock Steady Holistic Nutrition, specializing in Musician Health. In this interview, she provides us with an example of a simple deep breathing technique for listeners to try out. Be sure to check out DJ Donna Lovejoy on all of her social media platforms!
Check out DJ Donna Lovejoy on Facebook, Instagram, and MixCloud.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Bselecta didn’t go the traditional route of becoming a DJ. She originally was focused on becoming an A&R representative. However, after attempting this she realized that the music industry was not the place for her to thrive in. A few years later she learned how to mix with one of her friends in her garage. Soon after that she started practicing and getting gigs. Her name comes from another name for DJs which is “selector” and her first name, which starts with B. DJ Bselecta is from Canada and she focuses on dancehall and reggae. Her first experience with the genre was in a Canadian club, where she fell in love with the music. DJ RunDat and DJ Bselecta talk about their appreciation for reggae and dancehall and how they grew into the genre. DJ RunDat recalls when she attended Reggae on the River while pregnant, which she hopes will return after COVID. DJ BSelecta is also a mother so she explains the challenges of being a mom and still continuing her DJ career. Support DJ Bselecta on her social media and keep an eye out for her if you’re in the LA area!
Check out DJ Bselecta on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
Empress Rose speaks nine languages, owns a record label, writes her own songs, and manages athletes. Empress Rose is an inspiring woman who credits God and her hard work with her success. She is nominated for 43 awards for her recent documentary, which she created on her phone. She was the first female winner of a beat competition in Massachusetts, and she is nowhere near done. She is focusing on goals that will come to fruition later on while she continues to pave the way for others around her. She continues to set these long term goals to stay inspired and to gain experience in other fields. Empress Rose is a perfect example of breaking past the barriers of limited resources and getting creative to accomplish goals during the pandemic. She manages one of the biggest artists in Jamaica and is able to manage international artists thanks to her mastery of languages. Her vast skill set has allowed her to create many amazing projects during the pandemic, follow her to stay updated on the amazing work that she is doing. Keep an eye out for her book and for the accompanying album!
Check out Empress Rose on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Wildflower has travelled around, but currently resides in Perth, Australia. DJ RunDat describes her trip to Australia when she was young, and DJ Wildflower explains how Australia has changed in the past year. According to DJ Wildflower, social distancing in Perth is going well, and she predicts how live event venues will change. DJ Wildflower started out as a live event coordinator, and has since transferred to DJing after witnessing issues within the industry around her. DJ RunDat and DJ Wildflower talk about some advantages of the new online environment such as international networking and virtual livestreams. DJ Wildflower discusses her experience while being a virtual DJ, and describes the personal connection with the audience that virtual parties now present. DJ RunDat, the owner of a clothing line named Royal Roots Enterprises, points out DJ Wildflower’s amazing style and fashion. DJ Wildflower explains that fashion is a way to express yourself, and according to her she dresses the way that she loves in order to be comfortable and happy. DJ Wildflower and her husband have experience in running and planning live events, so they have taken advantage of the situation and created their own event calendar. The ladies discuss the importance of being festive and finding ways to connect to other people during this time.
Check out DJ Wildflower on Facebook, Instagram, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
Our guest this week began by discussing how she performed with her friends in 6th grade. She grew up wanting to make music and perform, so she went down the path of a singer songwriter at first. She experienced her first EDM festival when she was a young adult and realized that there was a whole music scene that she was not aware of. After this experience, she decided to research dance music further, where she discovered a few female DJs. Female DJs were rare, so this inspired DJ Marliii to join them. DJ RunDat also points out that the first female DJ she saw was on MTV. Although DJ Marliii did not have any mentors, she learned how to DJ and became part of the electronic music scene. She continued to go to festivals and concerts to network. She also plays instruments and sings, and produces her own music on different DAWs. Keep an eye out for the promo code that DJ Marliii shares with us for Splice. She hopes to inspire other young girls and show them that they are capable of becoming a DJ. DJ Marliii and DJ RunDat share their mission of empowering women, specifically those who want to become DJs. At the end of the episode, you will hear a snippet of DJ Marliii’s newest song, “Reigns”. Check it out now!
Check out DJ Marliii on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Shitty Princess is known for her electrifying sets and the lampshade that she dons every time she DJs at events. She is a celebrity DJ that, in her words, started out with “baptism by fire”. The first time she played was an opening set for Post Malone. Since then she has opened several events and continues to take part in exclusive lineups. DJ RunDat and DJ Shitty Princess talk about how you can support DJs during this time, and what independent artists can be doing in order to gain traction even during a pandemic. DJ Shitty Princess explains her own process, and how merchandise and following artists on social media could make a huge difference. She also talks about her business background and how she started out managing artists before eventually becoming one herself. This is similar to DJ RunDat’s business background and entrepreneur mindset. DJ Shitty Princess has some big things coming up this winter, keep an eye out for her new single coming soon!
Check out Celebrity DJ Shitty Princess on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
On DJ RunDat’s captivating interview with DJ Paula Frost, the two discuss everything from Michelle’s start in the music business to the challenges that female DJs often face. Music has always been a major part of Michelle’s life. She was exposed to the power of music as a young child and has been in love with music ever since. Michelle especially loves reggae music; one of her favorite events to be at is Reggae on the River. She appreciates reggae so much that her clothing line was actually deeply influenced by the genre. Her stage name, DJ RunDat, is also inspired by the reggae-heavy soundtrack from the 1999 film Third World Cop and the constant usage of the phrase “run dat” in 90’s music.
Michelle’s idea of starting her own clothing line was her way of staying in the music business while being a mother. She screen printed all of the items she was selling and set up booths at many music festivals. The connections she made at these festivals greatly helped her after she decided to be a full-time DJ.
When she first started DJing, Michelle was playing events throughout her community. She worked a fundraiser for her daughter’s school and was able to book weddings, birthday parties, and other private events later on. Michelle also realized the need for kid-friendly dance parties. Her children always wanted to tag along to her gigs, but many of the events had age restrictions. Michelle began to host her own dance parties for kids because she strongly believes in the need to expose kids to music and dance at a young age.
After years of being a successful DJ, Michelle decided to write and publish her own book. She worked with a business coach and created a digital course. The book combines information from her online class and her journey to motherhood and DJing. Michelle’s book describes her path to becoming a DJ and details the unique challenges that she faced as a woman. Because of the double standards many women face in the industry, Michelle loves helping other female DJs succeed and grow their businesses.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Staci the Trackstar is an athlete, mother, and an amazing event DJ. She has relocated from San Diego to Cancun, Mexico and shares how her life has changed. DJing has become more of a fun, laid-back event for DJ Staci, as she is focusing on clubs and bars rather than wedding gigs. COVID has changed the way that everything operates, and DJ Staci elaborates on the benefits and the negatives of an international move. DJ Michelle ‘RunDat’ Miller and DJ Staci bond over the fact that they are both mothers. Their mission to empower females coincides as they speak about recent events that benefit females and how DJs can become involved in movements. The ladies talk about their athletic endeavors and some minor downfalls, such as DJ Rundat’s incident at a track field. DJ Staci shares her personal story and how she has found a way to flourish in the music industry despite all of the changes happening in her own life, and in the world.
Check out DJ Staci the Trackstar on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ JLUV is a DJ with experience in many genres. She mostly plays R&B and Top 40s, but she incorporates Hip Hop and Reggaeton into her sets as well. She was introduced to DJing in a unique way when her high school boyfriend took up the hobby. She learned alongside him, and continued even after splitting with him and leaving high school. She currently resides in Colorado, where she is a resident DJ. She also travels to play at different festivals and concerts. She is known for her videos that she includes with her sets, she has had more time to work with videos and TV since the pandemic. Despite this extra free time, the DJ’s speak about how they miss performing in front of live audiences and their hopes for the future of the music scene. DJ RunDat and DJ JLUV talk about their different projects as DJs and how they attempt to add new twists to their musical endeavors. DJ JLUV is part of ‘The Core DJs’ which is an influential group of DJs that has connections across the world. The Core DJs also have a new branch, which is called Ladies of the Core, which is an important group that was founded to support other female DJs. DJ JLUV will soon have a show, called the Hit Spot, that will be available through Amazon or RokuTV in Sparkx Network. DJ JLUV is on every social media platform with the handle DJ JLUV.
Check out DJ JLUV on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Locution started DJing from her room and slowly bought and borrowed equipment until she could put together her own sets. She started networking and booking gigs around her home in Ohio, and when the pandemic hit she even started live streaming weekly. DJ Locution’s style is chill, and laid-back but she still incorporates upbeat techno music into her sets. She mostly makes music using digital softwares, including Ableton. The young DJ is still actively exploring her style and what defines her music. She released her first EP this past February and has a single coming out on September 9th.
Check out DJ Locution Field Lab on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Kristin, CEO of OurDJRocks is back! This time the leader of a team of DJs discusses her thoughts on the upcoming year and how her mindset has shifted throughout 2020. She’s focusing more on mastering her craft, building relationships, and networking while Florida attempts to reopen. She reveals what past projects she had been working on, and what she plans to continue to do. She also explains her tactics that both her and her team are using to stay relevant during this time. DJ Kristin never stops working on projects and finding new ways to better both herself and her company of DJs. She is on social media as @meetKristin and her company is on all social platforms available at the handle @ourdjrocks. Don’t miss the exciting things that she’s up to!
Check out DJ Kristin on Facebook, Instagram, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
While living in Taiwan for an internship, DJ WuWu became involved in the electronic dance music scene, which cultivated a love for electronic music. She later returned to Boston where she saw a “sign” for a DJ Academy. She began to learn from people at the Academy and developed her mixing skills. She moved to Los Angeles, forcing her to leave the DJ Academy behind. She soon found herself in classes again and became an active DJ in the vibrant LA music scene. She booked gigs for large parties, clubs, and even cruise ships. COVID has led to a new era of DJing, which relies on streaming from platforms such as Twitch and TikTok. DJ WuWu has learned more about after effects and green screens to bring her live streams to the next level during the pandemic. There are challenges that DJ WuWu has faced, learning to operate technology on new platforms can be a daunting task. The two DJs talk about Gary Vee, who has become a source of inspiration for them. DJ RunDat speaks about the business side of the DJ business and how Gary Vee inspired her to be more active on social media. Finally, the experienced DJs give advice to aspiring DJs and how to handle the obstacles that they will face. The topic of stage fright and different ways to handle is discussed. These include grounding yourself with positive affirmations and making yourself step outside of your comfort zone so that you can grow as an artist. The more that you try the things that you are afraid of the more you realize that they never were as scary as they were made out to be. Self-criticism can be your worst enemy, so it is important to believe in yourself and to confront your fears so that they don’t become your limits.
Check out DJ WuWu on Facebook, Instagram, MixCloud, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Sierra Jane, a DJ in Melbourne Australia, started her DJing journey in Vietnam when she stumbled upon a DJ course. Although she was on the course of becoming a flute teacher, she soon saved up for her own decks and started learning skills to become a DJ. She has built a successful DJing business by playing at clubs, weddings, and private events. She describes her musical influences as DJ Havana Brown and Avicii, and plays mostly modern, popular music. Australia is still under strict lockdown which has forced DJ Sierra Jane to cancel most of her planned events for this year. She speaks about how she’s coping with this and how she’s planning on reinventing herself in the process. The ladies discuss their online presence and the online market today which is ever-changing. DJ Sierra Jane goes into detail about the equipment that new DJs will see and should become familiar with, as well as tips on switching between these pieces of equipment. DJ Sierra has just started live streaming on Twitch, and is available on all social media platforms as well. If you’re interested in learning more about this Royal Queen DJ then go take a look at her website, sierrajane.com.
Check out DJ Sierra Jane on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Nicki Nell is a DJ and choreographer from Massachusetts. Her business mainly focuses on weddings but Nicki works other events as well. For weddings, Nicki also provides lighting, photo booths, videography, and photography for an all-inclusive experience. She is constantly expanding her business and prides herself on being able to work with many different DJ setups. Nicki began her professional career as a dance choreographer. She formally became a DJ when one of her students asked her to DJ at a party because Nikki’s music selections in the class were so well-liked. Nikki considers herself to be very independent and figured out DJing by herself. She advises new DJs to be kind to themselves and to understand that it is perfectly okay to figure things out at their own pace. Nikki also urges DJs to help each other out and emphasizes that there are enough gigs for everyone to be working. She also discusses the power of social media and how the Internet helps her to connect with fellow DJs that inspire her. Although Nikki loves what social media has done for her business, she believes that her business has grown the most from word of mouth referrals. She has used Google Ads and Facebook Ads but for her, nothing has been as good as verbal referrals. Nikki encourages DJs to give more than a hundred percent at every gig because you may never know who is in your audience. Nikki also wants her colleagues to know that when you are DJing, you are performing. It is important to set the tone for the event by interacting with the audience and hopping on the mic. Lastly, Nikki discusses with DJ RunDat how to properly set DJing prices and how she avoids burnout to continue doing the job she loves.
Check out DJ Nicki Nell on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Femme was first introduced to the electronic music scene when she was 18 years old. She discovered that she really enjoyed the music that they played in clubs and decided that she wanted to learn how to DJ. Later on, she rediscovered her love for the music after watching a female DJ in Palm Springs. She began to collect music and reach out to other DJs and friends who helped her into the music scene. Although she didn’t have a mentor she was determined to learn about the craft, dedicating her time to the internet and other resources to teach herself. She soon found herself working with other DJs and quickly expanding her network. DJ Femme started DJing in Palm Springs in places such as bars, gay clubs, and hotel pools. It was at these hotel pools that DJ Femme discovered her love for the chill house and disco genres. Since the COVID outbreak she has also started streaming on several platforms, including Livit, that have helped her expand her network of supportive DJs. DJ Femme found that competition was prevalent in the community, leading her to emphasize her personality and what made her stand out. The importance of having support from other artists and having a network is highlighted by the shared but separate experiences of both DJ Femme and DJ RunDat. The sentiment shared by both DJs is that music doesn’t and shouldn’t be a competition. Everyone has their own ideas and strengths that makes their music uniquely them. DJ Femme is hoping to work on many other creative projects while still streaming and playing an active role in the DJ community as it undergoes changes.
Check out DJ Femme on Facebook, Instagram, and MixCloud.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Shelly Rockstar is a DJ from the Miami area with a business background. She has always loved music and had to turn her library digital when she had too many records. During this process, someone jokingly told her to become a DJ and Shelly began to entertain the idea. She started taking DJ classes while she was on maternity leave and eventually turned DJing into her full time job.
Shelly relied heavily on her business and organizational background to help get her new career going, and her education is still helping her to this day. She, like many other DJs across the world, had to get creative to keep her career alive during the pandemic. Shelly has used this time to get more comfortable on camera by hosting virtual events. She has worked Zoom parties for corporate entities and senior homes. Aside from online parties, Shelly has done drive-through parties and backyard movie parties (all socially distanced, of course.)
DJ Shelly also discusses the importance of being able to figure things out for oneself as a DJ and how essential it is to be flexible. She also talks about how other DJs are handling the pandemic and how everyone is just trying to keep their love of DJing (and their businesses) alive. DJ Shelly and DJ RunDat also take the time to assure their viewers that is okay to take a break during these trying times.
Then, Shelly advises new DJs to think about what genres of music that they love as a starting point and to just go from there. She and DJ RunDat also talk about the uniqueness of the Florida music scene and how Shelly has gotten inspiration from Miami. Finally, DJ Shelly covers her experience of learning how to DJ while raising her newborn child at the time.
Check out DJ Shelly Rockstar on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on all social media platforms right here: DJ RunDat’s LinkTree.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Chevi Red is a DJ and businesswoman based out of New Orleans. She has been DJing for almost two years and began her career when she saw a DJ during a night out. Chevi realized that she had what it takes to be a DJ, and learned her skills from Youtube videos. DJ Chevi Red prides herself on her brand. The “red” in her stage name comes from the fact that she always wears red lipstick, and she even has her own red lipstick for sale. When asked about business tips, she highly encourages consistency in branding and constant usage of social media. She has booked gigs and received shoutouts from musicians through her strong social media presence.
Chevi does a weekly live stream, but she also loves doing random streams to keep things interesting. Her live streams are mostly R&B but sometimes feature other genres as well. On advice for new DJs, she wants novices to make sure that they are DJing out of the love for music. She also recommends new DJs to practice as much as they can and to put their own unique spin on things. Chevi’s work is a lot of controlled chaos, as she is always blending genres together.
During the pandemic, DJ Chevi has been focusing on her rebrand. She was a club DJ but is making the shift to corporate events, fashion shows, and festivals. She has also been working on her online shop and gave DJ Rundat and exclusive hint at her newest product. The two DJs then shared funny stories about live streams and Chevi shared what New Orleans has looked like during the pandemic.
Check out DJ Chevi Red on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Jess got her start when she was a college student in Edinboro, Pennsylvania. She was always requesting music at her favorite college bar. At the time, the DJ at the bar was one of Jess’s sorority sisters. Her sister inspired her to DJ and soon enough Jess was a DJ herself. Jess began her career DJing with CDs. In her interview, she talks with DJ RunDat about when music went digital and the emergence of services such as Napster. Jess also spends a good portion of her interview discussing the challenges of being a DJ and a mother during the current pandemic. She explains how she tried to make a homeschooling schedule for her children while taking care of her DJing business. Jess also gives her thoughts on the upcoming school year and the possibility of needing to continue to educate her kids at home. She also goes into detail about one of her most exciting gigs so far – a parade! DJ Jess excitingly explains how she was able to DJ from the back of a moving truck in May. Lastly, Jess and DJ RunDat talk about what is next for DJs across the United States as COVID-19 cases start rising again. Jess describes how she is currently in a state of limbo, as it is possible that many July and August gigs could be postponed. However, DJ Jess remains positive and will continue with live streams if need be.
Check out DJ Jess on Facebook, Instagram, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Dayna is a full time DJ and part time MC and freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. She works by herself and works weddings, corporate events, fashion shows, and cruise ships. Dayna was friends with DJs during her time at Miami University and began working with DJs there. After college, Dayna moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in journalism. She DJ’d on the side in LA and eventually came back to Ohio after five years in Southern California. Her return home made Dayna realize that she should become a full time DJ. Dayna loves variety so she is always trying to play different types of events. Her need for diversity drove her search for unique gigs. After her move back to Columbus, Dayna was contacted by a company for a local event. She asked about more opportunities available and was told about cruise ship gigs that ran for two weeks to a month-long. Her first cruise ship job was with the Disney Cruise Line; this job also helped solidify her decision in becoming a full time DJ. Aside from DJing, Dayna also MCs on the side to expand her horizons. She loves pushing herself out of her comfort zone and MCing is the perfect opportunity for her to grow. Dayna has MCed for many different events, including a TedX talk. She advises new MCs to have a general script in their head to keep the event going. DJ Dayna and DJ RunDat then share their special DJing and MCing stories with each other. Lastly, Dayna tells new DJs to build a strong support system of friends, other DJs, and business/life coaches. She also emphasizes the idea of not being afraid of failure and continuous positive growth.
Check out DJ Dayna on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Keelez is a Los Angeles based DJ. Growing up with a brother-in-law who was a DJ, she has always been aware of the DJing community. She specializes in private events and is one of LA’s premier DJs for LGBT weddings. Before she began her professional career, DJ Keelez took classes at the now-defunct DJ Arts Academy in San Francisco. She also had experienced DJs as her mentors. DJ Keelez discusses the convenience of digital DJing and the importance of good organization as a DJ with DJ RunDat. Keelez also shares some of the interesting people she’s encountered as a DJ in Los Angeles and tells DJ RunDat about past celebrity clients. She praises LA for its opportunities and the city in general. DJ Keelez gives helpful advice to new DJs and talks about the progression in one’s career. Many novice DJs start out doing unpaid or cheap gigs before they reach a certain level of expertise. She advises new DJs to know their clients well, seize opportunities, and to be patient. DJ Keelez also expresses the importance of having a strong Instagram presence, as she has gotten new clients who have seen her on Instagram posts. Additionally, she talks about whether DJs should be asking clients for Yelp reviews or not. DJ Keelez also examines how the DJ industry is largely male-dominated and how female DJs can find their place in the community. Finally, DJ Keelez gives great advice to other DJs on how to avoid burnout and keep their love for the activity.
Check out DJ Keelez on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Twitter, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Nickiee is a New York University alum who still resides in New York. Nickiee is well-established within the world of higher education; she even went to law school at the University of Denver. Music has always been a big part of her life, as she used to collect CDs when she was younger. During her interview with DJ RunDat, Nickiee discusses how she is finding a balance between DJing and being a mother. She also talks about how she has been running her own PR company and how COVID-19 has affected business. On the topic of COVID-19, DJ Nickiee and DJ RunDat talk about how quarantine has led to a period of learning for DJs. They talk about how they each have been able to learn from other DJs by watching live streams and experimenting with new techniques themselves. DJ Nickiee also discusses her involvement with a radio station in South Africa and how the South African music is thriving. She gives advice to DJs who are just getting started with the radio industry. Nickiee advises DJs going on the radio to have DJ drops with their name for exposure, promote their mixes themselves, have clean records, and be prepared for anything. She also emphasizes the importance of knowing how to creatively transition between songs. Finally, Nickiee shows off some of the new DJ equipment she has purchased since lockdown.
Check out DJ Nickiee on Facebook, Instagram, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Rachel is a DJ based out of Connecticut. She started out as an assistant to her brother, who is a DJ. Rachel was called in one day when her brother was not able to make it to a gig. From then on, she built her client base and has been DJing since. Rachel created a Youtube channel around the time the platform went live. She claims that her main purpose for creating the channel was to address the unique issues that came with being a female DJ. Her Youtube channel consists of mixes, gig vlogs, and tutorials for other DJs. DJ Rachel has been using quarantine to put herself through a DJ boot camp. She sets up her gear outside and runs through different scenarios to if she is able to fix various problems instantaneously. Rachel encourages DJs to use this time to truly get accustomed to their gear and be comfortable with issues that may arise at gigs. She also talks about using TikTok, Zoom, and other social media platforms to reach out to other DJs to maintain a sense of normalcy. Lastly, DJ Rachel urges her audience to support DJs and vendors now so they can provide for us later when the pandemic is over.
Check out DJ Rachel on Instagram, Facebook, Mixcloud and YouTube.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ Stephanie Stardust is the owner of the Connecticut based Royal Beats DJ Services. Stephanie began her career in the industry as a karaoke host and eventually gained the confidence to start her own DJing business. Currently, she specializes in private events and weddings. Stephanie discusses with DJ RunDat the many DJing live streams that she has watched over quarantine and how fascinating it has been to watch how other DJs work. Stephanie explains how that as DJs it is not necessary to strive for perfection as long as the crowd is having fun. She also talks about how she has been getting business coaching from DJ RunDat remotely and how helpful business coaching has been for her. Stephanie urges other entrepreneurs to strongly consider giving coaching a chance since having a coach has really helped her strive for new goals and stay productive during the COVID-19 pandemic. She also speaks on the steps she is taking to keep herself and her patrons safe at her first in-person hosting gig since the pandemic began. Stephanie describes the measures she is taking to protect herself and her clients from disease while still maintaining a fun environment. At last, Stephanie gives great advice to new DJs. She advises them to build their audience online during quarantine, getting basic equipment, practicing at home, and knowing one’s music well. To Stephanie, these practices help instill confidence in oneself and make DJing more enjoyable for the DJ and the audience.
Connect with DJ Stephanie Stardust on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and on her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
Saya is a DJ, event organizer, radio host, author, and producer in London. She is originally from Finland and still does gigs around Scandinavia. DJ Saya is the author of two books: the first documents her own journey in entrepreneurship and is filled with advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, and the second is about the importance of taking action’s towards one’s dreams. Saya discusses the challenges of being a DJ during the COVID-19 pandemic in her interview with DJ RunDat. They talk about turning to live streams through Twitch since all gigs and events for the foreseeable future have been canceled. They explain how to find the motivation to keep DJing during the lockdown and the positive things that have come out of the current situation. DJ Saya is the co-creator of the I Am the Music collective and details the mission of the group. I Am the Music aims to help artists level up in their careers by providing business advice in the entertainment industry. As mentioned earlier, Saya is a music producer and has three tracks coming out in July. She emphasizes the importance of being as visible as possible on social media and being consistent with content to see what works best for one’s audience. In fact, Saya’s current record label discovered her through an Instagram post. Saya and DJ RunDat examine the power TikTok has in the music industry, as popular songs on the app often go viral. Saya recommends new music producers to learn the structure of a musical track, buy music-making software, enroll in music production classes, and to watch online tutorials. Lastly, DJ Saya and DJ RunDat emphasize the importance of being accountable for one’s goals and taking the necessary steps to achieve these.
Check out DJ Saya on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
In DJ Margo’s interview with DJ RunDat, DJ Margo describes how she first got into the professional DJ industry. DJ Margo chronicles how being surrounded by her much older siblings exposed her to new types of music and how she used to make mixtapes from recordings on the radio when she was younger. Hailing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, DJ Margo was originally a local news anchor. She started professionally DJing in 2014 but has been DJing on and off since 2011. DJ Margo left Wisconsin and moved to LA in 2014 and has been DJing there ever since. She stresses the importance of getting some type of education before going completely professional. For DJ Margo, education meant taking classes at Scratch DJ Academy. Scratch was originally founded by Jam Master Jay of Run DMC and has locations all across the U.S. as well as online courses. DJ Margo praises Scratch for their professionalism and briefly goes over some tips she learned on how to make smoother transitions between sets. DJ Margo and DJ RunDat also swiftly discuss their shared love of incorporating positive music into their sets. On advice for new DJs, DJ Margo heavily emphasizes the importance of believing in oneself. She also highlights the importance of making connections with other DJs and building a strong support network of people with similar goals. Lastly, DJ Margo explains how she continues to pay homage to her old career as a news anchor in her sets.
Check out DJ Margo on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.
Check out the Royal Queens Rising Podcast out now on iTunes, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe and leave a review!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and at her Official Website.
Be sure to check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
DJ RunDat started her entrepreneurial journey 14 years ago with her clothing line named Royal Roots. It was her way of staying in the music scene without having the mom guilt. She started setting up booths at concerts and festivals up until she found a way to do what she loves while making money,DJn. Her first DJ lesson was taught by her husband whom she met 11 years ago and he served as her mentor up until she started going on her own where she produced community family dance parties. Her daughter wanted to come to the parties and she thought that the community needed something fun to do. From thereon, her business just organically grew and it ascended from private parties to opening up for big artists like Shaggy, playing festivals, weddings, you name it! There came a point in her life where she realized that she wanted to share her success and how she did it, therefore, she opened up an online coaching business to mentor DJs and to let them know that their dream in becoming a DJ is valid and they can make money out of it to support their family and themselves.
We may all have different reasons why we choose the path we choose, but for DJ Rundat, she chose to be a Boss Mama DJ, serial entrepreneur because of how she values FREEDOM, FUN, and FAMILY in her life. She always had a vision of what she wants to become (music has to be part of it) and to achieve that, she had to hustle her way up through hard work and absolute passion. Her advise to all the dreamers out there is whatever it is that you want to do, just go for it!
Connect with DJ RunDat on Instagram @djrundat, www.Facebook.com/djrundat, and Official Website www.djrundat.com
Check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
This interview was hosted by Kelly Schellenberg, your feminine powerhouse coach.
Since she was little, DJ Tandai has always enjoyed listening to music. When she finished high school, she became a radio DJ for 10 years but she realized that she needed to do something different and one thing that popped out on her mind is she enjoys mixtapes and so she applied for a five-day workshop on mixing music, and just last December 2019, she had already started mixing music. The genre that she loves working with is 90’s music. In Zambia, women are seen to be just doing household chores. When they see a female DJ, the first thing that comes to their mind is “naughty women” or “naughty girls” and playing in a club can arise some issues such as grabbing and etc. Times are changing now, and they already have a community of DJ’s that empowers women, breaking through the boundaries of stereotypes. DJ Tandai has a daughter and she is currently teaching her a few tricks and with a smile, DJ Tandai says that maybe in 7 years she can start playing music.
Connect with DJ Tandai on Facebook and Instagram.
Connect with DJ Tandai on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!
The first DJ equipment that she started using was a turntable and from thereon, she just keeps learning and learning until she got to where she is now. DJ Mel got into DJ’ing through his older brother/best friend as he was a popular DJ in their town. She would be the person on the mic hyping people up while his brother plays the music. She is now booked on gigs from weddings to clubs and since she has a whole lot of opportunities, she promised that she would stop turning gigs down because that gig could be her blessing. Aside from DJ’ing, she does tax professionally as a part-time and her advice for DJ’s out there with regards to money is that, make sure to keep separate your personal account from your business account and keep all the receipts that you accumulated from DJ’ing. For DJ Mel, sometimes in DJ’ing it more than just about money, because when she plays a piece of music and she made other people feel good about themselves, then that is a testament that she is doing good which also makes her feel better. DJ Mel’s advice for those who want to carve their path on this industry is to remember that you will always start at the bottom and the only way that you’ll be going is up. Work harder, keep learning, take constructive criticisms, and be humble
You can find DJ Mel anywhere online: Facebook, Instagram.
Check out DJ RunDat’s book “How to Start a DJ Business” on Amazon and download a free digital copy today!